Data Transfer Via a Switch

TrueNAS General
1

Hi,
I have built my NAS and installed Scale. I am now checking my backup which is on a 4TB Segate USB HDD against the data on my old FreeNAS.

The Segate is connected to my MacBook in my house via WiFI and the NAS is in my workshop connected to a GB switch that then connects to a DLink Powerline that connects to my main router over the electrics cabling from the workshop to the house.
Whilst this works the data transfer speed is horrifically slow with large files.
This is because the DLink Powerline is old with a max speed of 300Mbps.
If I connected my MacBook directly to the Gb switch that the NAS is connected to would the data be transferred directly via the switch or does it still have to for via the router?

I will be upgrading to 1200Mbps power lines in the future.

2

Give us a number, you are using a likely SMR USB HDD.

It mostly depends on the hardware and the network configuration, but it will likely pass though the router.

Also, avoid powerline when possibile: WiFi 6E or greater can be a valid alternative

3

If Both

  1. Macbook and NAS are on the same Ethernet switch
  2. Macbook and NAS are in the same IP network, i.e. IP(MAC)&NETMASK == IP(NAS)&NETMASK

then the traffic between these two devices will not leave the switch, and you have full bandwidth.

4

The problem I have is that the workshop is in my garden about 15m from the house and about 30m the BT router. I also have a garage next to the workshop. I use the Internet in both via the same Powerline.

I have looked at various options over the years and was about to buy some more up to date Powerline a TP Link AV1200.

I could look at outdoor Ethernet but that’s untidy, or maybe a point to point WiFi link, but it needs to be cheap.

5

There is ethernet cable certified for permanent use outdoors, in the ground and in water.

"Suitable for underground installation:

  • direct
  • in cable trench
  • in protective cable conduit
    "

Up to 10 G, much more reliable than the whole powerline thing.

6

There are ways, even cheap, which are way better than powerline. MikroTik Routers and Wireless - Products - no 6E or 7 there yet though.